Understand the symptoms and risk factors of bowel cancer, announced by Preta Gil

The singer Preta Gil announced this Wednesday (11) her diagnosis of bowel cancer. The disease is one of the most common types of cancer among Brazilians and may have non-specific symptoms.

See what the experts say about when to be concerned.

What are the main symptoms of bowel cancer?

Surgeon Éder Lago, member of the Brazilian College of Digestive Surgery, explains that many of the initial symptoms of bowel cancer are not very specific and can be confused with other gastrointestinal problems.

Abdominal pain, discomfort, gas retention, intestinal cramps, abdominal swelling, anemia and weakness may indicate the development of the disease in the early stages. These more general symptoms occur mainly when the tumor is located on the right side and the most initial part of the intestine.

When the tumor is in the rectum or lower part of the organ, more severe symptoms are more common. Bleeding in the faeces, severe abdominal pain and intestinal obstruction can be indicative that something is wrong.

However, these symptoms are also common to other diseases, and it is best to pay attention to their recurrence and seek medical attention.

What are the warning signs?

According to Maria Ignez Braghiroli, director of the Brazilian Society of Clinical Oncology and specialist in gastrointestinal tumors by Memorial Sloan Kettering, the assessment of the need for cancer investigation should be made by a specialist.

The expert recommends being aware of changes in bowel habits and stool characteristics. “If a person used to go to the bathroom once a day and suddenly starts going every 3 or 4 days, this should be investigated”, she exemplifies.

These changes will not always indicate the occurrence of an intestinal tumor, but, especially if accompanied by other recurrent symptoms, they alert to the importance of looking for a specialist.

What are the risk factors?

According to Lago, heredity is the main risk factor for colon cancer. Therefore, people who have a family history (especially parents and siblings) of the disease should have screening tests. Colonoscopy is recommended from the age of 45. “You can’t wait for the symptoms to do the investigation”, he warns.

Braghiroli says that the exam is the most important in the search for an early diagnosis. For those who do not have any symptoms or family history, from the age of 50 it is recommended to seek a specialist to perform a colonoscopy. The frequency of performing the exam can be evaluated after the first results.

How to try to prevent?

Experts point out that recurrent follow-up with a doctor and colonoscopy are the main means of preventing the progression of the disease and seeking an early diagnosis.

However, some behaviors can also contribute to lower chances of developing the disease: maintaining good eating habits, regulating the consumption of red meat and ultra-processed foods, doing physical activities and avoiding excessive intake of alcohol and smoking.